Photo by: Ricardo Cruz (@mavrick) | Unsplash Photo Community
Prompt by: Gibberish: FFF - Inherited
Prompts for 20 February 2026
Write about an heirloom
unseemly glory : a paradox where divine glory or triumph is achieved through humble, unexpected, or seemingly improper mean
“don’t cry”
A character who wants to run
1000 words
Joey looked at the sword that hung on the wall of his grandparents house for a long time. In his 14 years he had never seen anything so beautiful. Each time he visited he became more intrigued.
Lost in his thoughts he wondered about the history of the sword.
“I give this sword to you, in gratitude for the work you have done.”
Joey looked at Andúril with great wonder.
“Aragorn, I cannot accept your generous gift. It is part of your heritage and should belong to Gondor and your heirs.”
“You are such a loyal and humble person,” replied Aragorn. “For the work you have done to rid us of evil I must reward you.”
“Our friendship is enough,” Joey stated after careful consideration.
Joey was nudged by brother who sniggered as Joey rose from his revelry.
“If only I could touch it,” thought Joey. “What great things have happened in its life?”
“Don’t cry my love,” said Joey gently. “The knights of the realm are here to protect you.”
“I don’t need your protection,” Agnes stated with conviction. “I need to join you and help save our castle from ruin.”
“And so it shall be,” replied Joey, handing her Gram, the dragon slayer. “Go forth as it is said that no man may slay this dragon.”
Sylvie accepted the sword and looked up into his eyes. She rose on her toes and kissed him. “So thoughtful,” she said. “I will not let you down.” Turning she ran in search of her foe.
“Are you still dreaming about that sword?” his brother said in a tone that demanded an answer.
“Joey quickly grabbed the sword from the wall and stabbed the annoying, aggressive, peasant quickly in the leg. “Let that be a lesson to you!” he thundered.
“Yes my lord,” replied the peasant as others lifted and hurried him along the cobbled corridor.
Joey regarded his brother with concern. “Wonder is an amazing thing,” he replied.
“It’s a waste of time,” his brother snarled before lowering his shoulder into Joey as he left the room.
Joey mounted his horse. “It’s time, my lady, to head into battle, not as a man weakened by his wounds but as a man who must do his duty. My country demands it!”
“Go forth my liege. May your aim be as true as your heart is.”
Joey turned and saluted her. “I shall return,” he roared over the noises of the other cavalry members.
“I will be waiting.”
Joey raised his flagon. “For King and Country,” he stated powerfully. He lifted to his lips and began to sip
Berating himself as water spilled down his shirt. He cleaned it up quickly while listening to the voices in the other room. He looked back at the sword. He stepped forward and reached out.
“I anoint thee Sir Joey,” said King Arthur as he tapped Joey on each shoulder with Excalibur.
“Arise,” stated Arthur with regal command. “Take your place at the round table.
Joey stared around the table regarding each knight with great aplomb.
“My good Sirs,” began Arthur. “We have filled our compliment of Knights. Our quest for the Holy Grail begins today.”
The Knights cheered excitedly.
“Sir Joey, you have travelled far and wide. Please share with your brotherhood the information you have discovered.”
Joey looked around the round table and then at Excalibur. He looked down as something brushed against his leg.
“Ruffles,” he exclaimed as his dog demanded a pet or two. Joey set the sword down and petted his dog who happily ran off in search of food.
Thrust. Parry. “You scurvy dog. Is that the best you could come up with,” yelled Blackbeard.
The ship rolled in the strong waves as Joey stepped forward with more vigorous action. “You seemed to have weakened Blackbeard. Is your age holding you back,” countered Joey as he intensified his sword work.
“Joey!” yelled a loud voice. “What have you done?”
Joey looked around the room. Curtains were cut. The couch had holes in it. HIs grandfather’s armchair had the arms slashed to pieces.
“Sorry,” Joey said meekly as he handed the sword to his grandfather who placed it back on the wall.
Later his grandfather whispered, “Did you have Blackbeard on the run?”
Joey grinned and nodded.
“That’s my boy.”